Operations & Procedures

Operations and Procedures

Does your pet need an operation?

We have excellent on-site facilities should your pet need a surgical procedure. Our vets are experienced in a range of operations, from routine neutering of cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, to more complex lump removals, abdominal procedures and certain types of orthopaedic surgery. We operate on all weekdays and are usually able to fit around your schedule for planned procedures. Emergencies will always take priority and we appreciate your understanding in the rare instances where more routine surgeries have to be delayed or rescheduled.

What happens on the day of surgery?

When your pet is booked in for surgery, our staff will outline the procedure and you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have. We may advise a blood test to check your pet’s internal health before any medications are given. On admission, your pet will be made comfortable in a cosy kennel by one of our nurses before being given a sedative injection to help them relax and a pain killer to keep them comfortable throughout their operation.

All our patients benefit from intravenous fluids when under general anaesthesia to improve anaesthetic safety and quality of recovery; these fluids are administered via a catheter that is usually placed in one of your pet’s front legs after the area has been clipped and cleaned.When your pet is relaxed and comfortable, an anaesthetic is administered using the catheter already put in place for fluid administration. A tube is placed in the windpipe (trachea) which allows us to give oxygen and anaesthetic gas during the operation as well as giving us some control over breathing rate and depth if needed. Monitoring equipment (blood pressure cuff, oxygen saturation monitor and, in some cases, ECG leads) are applied and used by the nurse to assess the quality of the anaesthetic and health of your companion during the procedure.

The surgical site is then clipped and cleaned prior to moving your pet to the operating theatre. When the surgery is complete, a nurse will stay with your pet as they wake up. When we are happy they are comfortable and awake enough to come home, we will contact you to arrange a time for their discharge. Some animals need longer than others to be fully awake, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us until mid-afternoon. If you have any concerns through the day, you are welcome to call us for an update.